DENR suspends 2 more mining firms

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced Thursday the operations of two more mining companies have been suspended for river pollution in Eastern Samar.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez told reporters in a press briefing the department is cancelling the permits of chromite miner Mt. Sinai and nickel miner Emir Mineral Resources Corp.

At the same briefing, DENR Undersecretary Leo Jasareno noted the mining companies have polluted a river with silt.

"The audit team found that Mt. Sinai caused the siltation of a river and recommended their suspension," Jasareno said.

Emir Mineral committed a similar violation, he added.

"Tomorrow we will issue the suspension order for the two mining firms," Lopez said.

Mt. Sinai and Emir Mineral are the latest addition to the eight mining companies suspended by the DENR in line with its ongoing audit of all miners and campaign against illegal and irresponsible mining. — VDS, GMA News